At their one-man live at Akasaka BLITZ, LEZARD announced the release of their first full length album, Tokagetchu, on July 15. The album consists of six brand new tracks written exclusively for this album and will release in two versions: Iiko version and Waruiko version. Iiko version comes with a DVD with the PV, offshot, and 9 caligraphy videos while the Waruiko version comes with two additional original songs plus 5 bonus tracks of previously released singles.

Another cool new release that I’m super excited for, Litchi Hikari Club‘s Jesus Christ Hyperstar is slated for a July 29 release. It will appear in two versions, one with a DVD and the other CD only. The tracklisting hasn’t been revealed yet, but I’m sure it will be awesome. And check out that Hakuei. Geesh.

A couple of cool release announcements via YouTube this weekend, starting with Nihilizm. Their latest full length album, aguere, releases October 28. They also announced a commemorative tour consisting of four shows, the final being held on November 25 at Takadanobaba AREA. Check the homepage for venues and details.

I’ll just go ahead and plug my ears in preparation for all the screaming associated with this one. The Gazette has finally released details on the first movement of their Project: Dark Age, DOGMA. The album will, of course, come in a massive three disk edition which includes a 14 track CD and two DVDs containing the PV for the title track and DEUX, documentary and making of footage. The album drops August 26 and that big version comes in at a whopping 10,800yen, so save your pennies, folks.

On the tour front, we have MIYAVI with a European tour commemorating his latest release, The Others. The tour starts September 27 in London, includes 12 stops, and ends in Helsinki, Finland on October 16. I’m really hoping this evolves into a more inclusive world tour. Check the homepage for venues and ticketing information.

VAMPS will also be gracing Europe this fall as they join Apocolyptica on their Shadowmaker tour. The tour starts November 24 and includes 6 stops throughout the UK. Check the OHP for ticketing information.

Unfortunately, we just can’t get through a week without a couple of sucks. This week, we start with the disbandment of BLITZ. The group will disband after their performance on November 7 at Shinjuku BLAZE. Though no real reason has been given, you can find the groups individual comments over at their OHP. They have a ton of lives left before the end, so be sure to continue supporting them until the last.

Next is the sudden and quick disbandment of Escapism. Just announced, the group will call it quits after their upcoming live this Thursday at Holiday Shinjuku. In their official statement, they cite musical differences as the reasoning and assure you there is no ill will amongst the members. I’m sure fans of Escapism will feel a little blindsided by this news, but we wish them all the best and hope to see the members again in future projects.

Here’s a New Band Alert that had me squealing. Dir en grey guitarist, Die, has jumped on the bandwagon and started a solo project called DECAYS. There’s not a whole lot of information on it yet, but he does already have a handful of shows scheduled in July and August with Sukekiyo and FAKE?. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on any future developments.

SEKAI NO OWARI have announced they will be supplying the theme song for both Attack on Titan live action films. The first installment hits theatres August 1 and features the band’s newest song, ANTI-HERO. The song will release on the single of the same name on July 29. The second movie, titled ATTACK ON TITAN End of the World, releases September 19. No word yet on which song will grace the opening credits of this one, but I’m sure it will be killer.

They aren’t the only one to see their name in the movie credits. SuG‘s latest single, teenAge dream, will be featured in the horror movie, EYES, based on a short story by Suzuki Koji, author of popular Japanese horror film, The Ring. The film hits theatres June and the single, teenAge dream/Luv it!, releases July 15.

Good news for fans of Zin. Vocalist Riku, who has been absent from band activities for over a month due to bad health, made his triumphant return at their live on May 23 at Osaka RUIDO. This brings him back just in time for their 3rd Anniversary one-man tour running November 6-28 and hits four cities. Check the homepage for dates and venues.

So, this must be some kind of record. New band, SLINGER, who made their debut on May 1, are already finding themselves down a vocalist. It seems the group had been unable to contact vocalist KNIGHT since before their show on 5/17 and, due to his failure to perform, dismissed him from the band as of 5/18. The band is determined to continue despite this setback and we hope to see them back soon.

Another one for the suck list, BLITZ has announced they will disband after their live on November 7 at Shinjuku BLAZE. Before they go, they will be releasing a BEST album containing all your favorite tracks from their three years together. Blitz BEST 2012～2015 drops September 9 in two types.

It’s a summer of international appearances and the latest band to cross the ocean is SCREW. The group will make an appearance at Anime Friends 2015 at Campo de Marte in Brazil on July 10. They will be joining other popular Japanese acts such as FLOW, Homemade Kazoku and more. Check the hompage for the full listing and registration information.

On the convention front, we have pop group DRAFT KING making their US debut at Otakon in Baltimore, MD. The convention will take place at Baltimore Convention Center July 24-26 and features all the pop-culture goodness you’d expect from a great con. Pre-registration is open until July 23 and prices go up the longer you wait, so hurry up and get ’em!